“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: ‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”

Jonah 2:1-2

Dear HBIC Family,

God’s promised presence for the people of God is such a wonderful gift. Followers of Jesus are blessed with the Holy Spirit as a down-payment of the riches to come. The same Spirit that raised Christ form the dead now lives inside of us. We are also blessed with revelations of God through the people in our lives and in all of creation. The Scriptures, too, enlightened by the Spirit, can remind us of the presence of God in our lives.

God promised to the people of the Old Testament to never leave nor forsake them. Even after they sin, fall short, or choose to reject God, God covenants with them, forgives them, sends prophets and messengers, and is present with physical revelations like a cloud by day and a light by night in the wilderness. God is always there, and the presence of God is not dependent on the faithfulness of the people of God.

Jesus comes as Immanuel, our God with us. He is the exact representation of God, and to see Jesus is to see God. So before leaving for heaven, and after promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus reminds all his followers that he will be with us always, even to the end of days. Again, our God is always there for us. And praise the Lord that God’s faithfulness, love, and presence are not dependent on our faithfulness.

This week, we will be returning to our Jonah: A Story of God’s Love and Mercy series by focusing on Jonah’s prayer from inside the belly of the fish. Jonah’s prayer reminds us of God’s love and presence that’s gifted to us even when we disobey, run away, or lack faithfulness. To prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and reflect on Jonah 1:17-2:10. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

How does Jonah experience God’s presence, even at his lowest point?

How have you experienced God’s presence at your lowest point?

What is one promise of God that you hold on to?

How is God calling you back right now?

Years ago, I moved to Harrisburg, for what I thought was a season. I never would’ve dreamed that this move would be such a critical turning point in my life. At the time, I also wouldn’t have been able to verbalize how hard life had become, or how much I needed God’s presence, direction, mercy and love. Looking back on this low point, I am so grateful that our good God is always so faithful.

Sisters and brothers, I do not know where you are today, but I know God is with you now. I do not know all the places you have been, but I know that God has been with you there, too. I can not know the depths of your pain, sorrow, loneliness, or even regrets. But I know that God has never left you or forsaken you. So, cry out to God, call out to Jesus, and surrender daily to the Holy Spirit. God is on your side and fighting for you!! Hold on, God will come through for you.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Jonah 2:1-2)